Dalj

http://www.opcina-erdut.hr/

Location (county, municipality)

Dalj is one of the four settlements in the municipality of Erdut, on the right river bank of the Danube, Osijek-Baranya County. It is 30 km away from Osijek and 20 km from Vukovar. Population is 6,689 (1,661 households). The village includes the following settlements: Banjkaš, Grabovac, Lipovača Daljska, Lovas Daljski, Marinci, Mišino Brdo, Nizbrdice, Novi Dalj, Planina Daljska, Pogled, Poloj, Propast, Stari Dalj, Škilja, Šušnjar Daljski, Vodica and Zurilo.

Historical background and development

Eastern Croatia was the centre of old cultures, from the Neolithic to the Bronze and Iron Age. This area is rich in Roman monuments, with a developed network of settlements and roads.

The Dalj culture was mentioned for the first time during the Bronze Age (from 1350 to 1100 BC). This area was populated by Ilirs, Thracians and Celts and later Romans. Teutoborgium, a Roman settlement which was an important traffic centre, was situated on the location of the current village. This area was later occupied by the Huns, Gepides, Goths, Slavs and Avars. The Slavs arrived in the 8th century. After being freed from the Turks (1687), Dalj became a part of the Habsburg monarchy. This period was marked by prosperity, increase in population, and economic strengthening (19th century).

Dalj was occupied during the Homeland war, and in 1997 it was reintegrated in the Croatian territory.

Current situation (Economy, public institutions, tourism advantages, etc.)

Economy of Dalj is based on agriculture, viticulture, livestock farming, trade and crafts. It has all necessary community infrastructures required for social and cultural life: a primary school, a secondary school, a library, primary health care, a post office, a police station, a gas station, several retail trade facilities, etc. Also, the seat of the municipality of Erdut is in Dalj. There are also several sport, cultural, and other associations of the civil society. Also, Entrepreneurial and development centre of the municipality of Dalj (PORC) is active.

Position of Dalj on the river bank of the Danube, a promenade, monuments of architectural heritage, surrounding weekend settlements, vineyards and wine route as well as attractive landscape and the vicinity of the main traffic routes and larger towns provide a solid base for the development of rural tourism.

Tourism attractions by importance (emphasis on sports related to the river Danube; monuments, events, hiking, cycling, eco-tourism)

The birth house of Milutin Milanković (1879-1958), a world-known geo-physicist, climatologist and astronomer, was reconstructed and turned into a Cultural and Scientific Centre “Milutin Milanković”, where many national and international conferences, exhibitions and symposiums take place.

The two most important cultural and historical monuments of Dalj also date back to the 19th century. These are the Eastern Orthodox Church of St. Demetrios (1715), with baroque and post-baroque interior, and Patriarch’s Court – summer residence of the Serbian patriarchs (18th century), including the park (19th century), as a protected monument of park architecture. On the slopes of Dalj planina there is an Eastern Orthodox monastery of the Assumption of Our Lady.

The Roman Catholic Church of St. Joseph (1912), which was fully destroyed during the Homeland war, was reconstructed in 2004.

Along the Danube there is a two kilometre long promenade, with nicely done footpaths, benches and lights.

The wine route of Erdut wine-growing area passes through Dalj. On the slopes of Daljska planina tourist can visit five wineries. 

Dalj is known for various events, among which the Flower and Rural Tourism Fair should be emphasized. The fair takes place in Daljska planina, and it is a cultural and educational event of regional importance (the municipality of Erdut).

Tourism and accommodation

Although the number of tourists visiting this area is on the increase, in Dalj there is only one registered facility, which can provide accommodation for 15 people. Accommodation for tourists is available in Aljmaš and Erdut, and in the towns of Osijek and Vukovar.

Source: http://www.opcina-erdut.hr/naselja/dalj/; http://hr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dalj; http://www.milutin-milankovic.com/